Zephaniah 2:3
“Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The humble are urged to seek the LORD and pursue righteousness, with hope of being sheltered on the day of wrath.
What Does Zephaniah 2:3 Mean?
Here is the heart of the appeal, and one of the book's most tender verses. The meek of the earth, those who have kept God's just ways, are urged to seek the LORD, to seek righteousness and meekness. The threefold call to seek presses the reader toward God Himself, not merely toward escape. And the promise comes humbly: it may be you shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger.
The phrase it may be is not doubt about God's mercy but reverence before His freedom; it keeps the seeker from presuming and bowing low. God offers a hiding place in the storm to those who turn to Him in humility. Jesus would echo this beatitude, blessed are the meek. The path of safety is not strength or cleverness but humble seeking, and the One sought is also the shelter found. To be hidden in the day of wrath is to be hidden in God.
In the Original Language
anaw (עָנָו), 'meek' -- the humble, lowly, and afflicted who depend on God rather than on their own standing or strength.